Q: Almond Butter can be around 3x more expensive than Peanut Butter, is it worth the expense? 

– Marisol R. 

A: Not to me..

But maybe to you, primarily based on taste! 

Both butters have the same type of nutrients – Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats, vitamins and minerals, so nothing new or missing from each of them.

The calories and sugars are about the same, but almond butter has slightly more vitamins and minerals. Don’t be fooled though, you’ll hear “3x more Vitamin E, 2x more Iron, 7x more Calcium”, but the amounts are so low even with the “multipliers” it doesn’t matter. 

1 shot glass of milk has more Calcium than 1 tbsp of Almond butter??

Nuts can be a great source of protein and fat. Both butters have about the same, peanut butter has slightly more saturated fat, so if you’re going to eat peanut butter consistently, you might want to watch out for that. 

As far as toxins, you hear about Peanut Butter and Aflatoxin. Peanuts are grown underground as opposed to almonds, grown on trees. Moisture can form in a peanut shell and if not dried well, can cause issue. Peanut butters are shelled then dried, so there really isn’t a worry. It is best to buy “raw” butters, because “raw” actually means they are steamed pasteurized vs using a fungicide. 

Also, purchase “raw” because many brands will add hydrogenated oils, sugar, and excess salt. 

Ok, now the real hammer, cost. A 16oz jar of raw peanut butter can cost you $4.00, but a jar of almond butter can set you back up to $15.00.  Wow, that’s a huge difference compared to the slight nutritional benefits. 

If you like the taste, REALLY like the taste of almond butter, then go for it.  But I’m a peanut guy, so it’s easy for me to eat the nut my fathers family use to grow in India – we’re Peanut Farmers at our core!